Is it OK to get my Ocrevus infusion now and then get the COVID vaccine when it becomes available?

Here is My Question:
My neurologist is suggesting I get the Ocrevus infusion now and then get the Covid vaccine when it becomes available. I am 73 years old and have PPMS.; What do you think?

Answer:
Opinions on this matter differ, primarily because of the lack of information. Let's break down the information we know so that you can make an informed decision.

1. The Ocrevus primary progressive MS (PPMS) clinical trial excluded people over the age of 55. Therefore, there is no evidence of benefit in someone who is 73. The benefit observed in the Ocrevus PPMS clinical trial and in trials of other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapies in PPMS, was observed in younger patients with evidence of active brain inflammation on MRI. Active inflammatory disease is uncommon as people age and certainly once people reach the age of 73
2. Age is a significant risk factor for both severe COVID infections and death due to COVID infections. 8 out of 10 people dying from COVID19 are over age 65. These are the most important people to get immunized after health care workers and those residing in nursing homes.
3. We are in a phase of the pandemic when infection rates are rising exponentially and hospitals in some areas like southern California may run out of hospital beds soon. It is more important than ever to prioritize staying healthy and getting your vaccine as soon as it is made available to you.
4. We do not know if responses to the COVID vaccine will be as strong in someone who has received Ocrevus in the prior 6 months

I hope this information helps when you discuss this topic with your MS specialist

Revere P (Rip) Kinkel, MDProfessor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego